Hate Graffiti Painted On Victoria Islamic Center

VICTORIA, Texas (AP) — Police will examine security surveillance video after a graffiti phrase for hate was spray-painted on the side of a South Texas Islamic center.

Victoria police reported no immediate arrests over the defacing of the Victoria Islamic Center. The incident was discovered on the day that Muslims began observing the dawn-to-dusk fast for the month of Ramadan (RAH'-mah-dahn).

An imam found the blue graffiti Wednesday morning on the front side of the building. Osama Hassan says he has no clue why anyone would deface the center.

The Victoria Advocate reported Thursday that the graffiti involved a letter and a number that combine to mean hate.

Lt. Ralph Buentello says police are investigating the case as criminal mischief.

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Information from: The Victoria Advocate

Copyright 2013 The Associated Press.